My lords, ladies and gentlemen. It is my most painful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved Mother, the Queen. I know how deeply you, the whole Nation—and I think I may say the whole World—sympathize with me in the irreparable loss we have all sustained. It is of the greatest comfort to me to know the sympathy so many have extended to my Sister and Brothers, and that this overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. To all of us as a family, to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother set an example of lifelong love and selfless service. My Mother’s reign was unparalleled in its duration, devotion and devotion. Even as we mourn, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply conscious of this great heritage and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of the Lordship which have now passed to me. In assuming these responsibilities, I will endeavor to follow the inspiring example set before me in upholding constitutional government and to pursue the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth of Nations and Territories throughout the world. To this end I know that I shall be supported by the affection and loyalty of the peoples of whom I have been called to be Sovereign, and that in the performance of these duties I shall be guided by the advice of their elected parliaments. In all of this, I am deeply encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of delivering the heritable revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. And in carrying out the heavy task which has been assigned to me, and to which I now devote the remainder of my life, I pray for the guidance and assistance of Almighty God.
